Sport in the periphery: public space and private capital. The case of Scampia

The UN Agenda 2030 underscores the transformative potential of inclusive, safe, and accessible urban spaces, particularly for marginalized communities. This study investigates the sociological dimensions of urban regeneration through the redevelopment of a football pitch in Scampia, a peripheral district in Naples characterized by socio-economic challenges and limited public investment. Focusing on the intersection of private initiatives and public governance, the research explores the implications of a bottom-up effort led by two professional footballers in the context of the municipal “Restart Scampia” project. Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders reveal the role of sports as a catalyst for social cohesion, youth engagement, and urban renewal, while also exposing tensions between private actions and the responsibilities of public institutions. By situating the case of Scampia within broader sociological debates on urban marginality, welfare systems, and hybrid governance, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics shaping urban peripheries. It argues for a critical reassessment of the interplay between public and private actors in fostering sustainable and equitable urban transformation.